Guess Title: Japan's Lead in Lead-Free Technology - June 2004

Guess Title: Japan's Lead in Lead-Free Technology - June 2004
Japanese electrical and electronics manufacturers maintain a significant international lead in lead-free technology. Lead-free solder has been actively developed since the 1990s to reduce environmental impact. The most common lead-free solder is a "tin-silver-copper" alloy system, which has been commercialized by several manufacturers, including Senju Metal (Adachi-ku, Tokyo) and Nihon Superior (Suita, Osaka).

However, lead-free tin-silver-copper solder has a melting point about 30 degrees higher than that of lead solder, making it difficult to use in applications that require heat resistance, and it is also expensive because it contains silver. To address this issue, Nihon Genma (Osaka City), in collaboration with electrical and electronics equipment manufacturers, has developed a "tin-zinc" lead-free solder with a melting point of 199 degrees C, close to that of lead solder. Nihon Superior has also developed a "tin-copper" lead-free solder with a lower cost.

Lead is used in a wide variety of products, including coating stabilizers for power cables, housings for electrical and electronic equipment, paints, inks, and hard disks, but the development of lead-free technology has led to the elimination of lead from these products. Japanese companies are leveraging their technological expertise in this area to further strengthen their competitiveness in the international market.